Q: Why did you go into psychology?A: During high school I knew I wanted to work in the psychological field, so when I entered college declaring my major was an easy choice. Back then, I wanted to work in research but as I matured, I recognized that I place a high value on relationships. I came to the realization that clinical work was my niche. It’s important my clients and patients and I view my work as helping people achieve their goals. I’m not “saving” someone.

Q: What led you to open your own practice?A: I have always wanted to own my practice. I had a great mentor, Dr. Susan Andrews. She was instrumental in helping me to reach my goal. Taking the leap of faith is always the difficult part but with a little push from some personal experiences I decided at the end of 2014 to go for it.

Q: Tell us about your community involvement?A: I hold community service as a core value. When I was a working mom with three children at home, it was much harder to find time and the right opportunity to volunteer, so often involvement was purchasing items for others or cooking dinners. Today, I am rich with many opportunities to serve. I am currently the President-Elect of Exchange Club of Naperville and involved with several committees of the Exchange Club. I serve on the Board of Director of I Support Community and am involved in several committees with the Chamber.

Q: What are the three top skills that women should have to lead an organization or business?A: This is an interesting question and I am not sure how to answer. I believe my three top skills may not be what another needs to lead. Here goes: my top three skills . . . 1) I learned to ask for help. This seems to be difficult for many of us. Learning to ask for help takes practice.2) I am secure in my decisions. I make a decision and MOVE FORWARD. If a decision is wrong, I am willing to recognize and acknowledge it, then find ways to continue to move forward.3) I laugh. As often as possible. At myself. At life. With friends.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Surround yourself with a multitude of supports. I cannot stress enough the value in having a team who will not let you fail.

Q: Since you are always helping people, how do you maintain balance for yourself?A: Well, to quote our good friend Rick Lochner, it is about alignment. I know at times my life is not balanced. It simply cannot be balanced all the time, given my practice, my community involvement and my far-flung family. I focus on living a life that speaks to my values. Using my values to guide my decision leads me to my balance. Having four grandchildren certainly helps me to remember what is really important. The coolest part of my profession? I get to grow alongside my clients. Again, where core values create the environment for balance.

Q: Whom do you most want to meet in the world?A: Abraham Lincoln hailed from the beautiful bluegrass Commonwealth of Kentucky and married Lexington, Kentucky native, Mary Todd. He piqued my interest at an early age. I marvel at his timeless words: “He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help”.

Q: If you could wave a magic wand and change anything in our world, what would it be?If I could get my Harry Potter on, I’d wave my wand made of tulip poplar (the state tree of Kentucky) and grant everyone just a bit of “floo” powder. (Floo powder, per Harry Potter, allows travel within seconds between two fireplaces). I could kiss my grandchildren goodnight and easily be at work early the next morning. No more scheduling travel time into my plans or finding the middle point for friends and family members to meet up. I could have impromptu gatherings with family and friends and have more time to enjoy relationships. Can you imagine how less stressful the holiday season would be? I’d like that for everyone!Website http://eliteperformancecounseling.com/

By: Faith Behr, Behr CommunicationsBehr Communications is a marketing PR firm that helps businesses find and build new audiences, raise awareness and connect with their customers. We offer a range of communications marketing capabilities: social media, digital marketing, direct mail, graphic design, public relations, website development and government relations. We know that successful marketing is built on three essential elements: sound strategy, thoughtful execution and genuine relationships.www.behrcommunications.com

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

Renee Miklosik is Director of Special Events and Volunteers at Little Friends. She’s held some interesting jobs in her short career and is on Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and current Chairperson for the Young Professionals Network. She is a two-time graduate of North Central College: B.A in 2004 and M.A in 2008. Read about what she’s learned from people with disabilities.

Q: What do you like best about your role at Little Friends?A: It’s been a joy to work for Little Friends. At the end of nearly every day, I can point to something I’ve accomplished that has made life just a bit easier or a tad sweeter for the people we serve, whether that’s helping to get food on the table for one of our families in crisis or finding a way to give our clients an opportunity to do or see something they’d never thought to be possible. And in nearly every day, I get to work beside and interact with some of the most amazing, thoughtful, and generous people all to benefit Little Friends’ clients and their families.

Q: What have you learned from your work with people who have disabilities?A: There are a few things: first and foremost, they are just like you and me. They have the same hopes and fears, likes and dislikes. They yearn to have relationships with their families and friends. They want to have a place to call home. They celebrate birthdays and holidays; they have their favorite sports teams, entertainers, restaurants. They want to work in their communities and have a purpose in their day.

Q: What jobs have you held before this one?A: After graduating from North Central College, I worked Paramount Theater in Aurora as the assistant to the Executive Director. I did everything -- answering phones and taking care of correspondence, to planning for and managing small events. I even worked in the café in the Grand Gallery when we were short staffed on show nights.From there, I went to work at my alma mater in their office of Camps and Conferences; I handled the summer programming including athletic and academic camps, outside conferences, summer musicals, housing and meal needs for all of these events, and scheduling of campus space was under my purview. If the Paramount was a crash course in doing 10 things at once, moving to NCC was like going from the frying pan into the fire! It was a huge job, but I loved it. I loved it because I loved North Central, and that’s my home; it always will be.

Q: Special events and managing volunteers require you to keep many balls in the air. What’s your secret for keeping them moving?A: Two things are a must: a good plan and a great group of people that you can rely on. I’m a planner and when I approach an event, I think from point A to point B to point C, and on and on, and I have contingency plans between each point. If this, then that…if that, then this. It’s exhausting in the early stages, certainly, because you overthink, but when it’s go time, and something goes awry (and something always goes awry!) there’s a sense of calm. I’m lucky to have committees that pull their weight and do what they say they are going to do. I try to surround myself with volunteer groups who know the drill—they’ve worked an event for so many years they know their tasks better than I do.

Q: In the Naperville area that seemingly has endless events, how do you make yours stand out?A: Little Friends has such a rich history in Naperville, and our annual auction is as well-known as any of the programs and services we provide. I’m lucky that I get to continue to build that tradition, but we are not afraid to try new things. I’d like to think that when guests attend our events, they see or do something they haven’t seen yet at another Naperville event.

I also place a premium on fun. I don’t want people to attend Little Friends events out of obligation. I want them to come because they love our mission and value our work and they have a great time helping us reach our goals. It’s also why our numbers continue to grow. Every year, we are welcoming more people and raising more money to support our clients and families.

Q: What’s the best advice you ever received?A: “Expect to win. Make it happen.” That’s a holdover from my days playing softball in high school and college—my favorite coach had that printed on our practice gear—but it very easily translates to the business and non-profit world. And it’s far easier said than done. It starts with having the confidence to know that you can win, or accomplish your goals, regardless of what team or other hurdles might stand in your way. Making it happen is a little harder. It requires work—commitment, discipline, 110% effort. The teams I played on were very successful. Yes, we had talent, but we beat teams because we outworked them. I approach my job the same way because, for me, “winning” is nothing more than beating last year’s numbers. What we raised at last year’s event, I know can be surpassed; I just have to work harder than I did the previous year to see that it happens.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned along the way? A: Having a mentor can absolutely change your life! I am blessed to have had a number of wonderful supervisors, coaches, and teachers in my life. Some were there for a term or two, some have been there for years, and they all taught me something. But there’s something about having that trusted adviser who takes your hand and helps you navigate some rough waters—personal or professional—and the growth that comes from that. Mine is a wonderful friend and former professor whom I share very little in common except our mutual love of food, but whose presence, I think, has shaped my last several years. There isn’t a single subject I can’t address with her, and there isn’t a time when I don’t feel better after having talked with her. She supports everything I do, from the serious to the silly. She’s the best. That relationship is the best. And I’m grateful to have her and it.

Q: What are you working on now?A: With the upcoming holiday, I’m trying to remember to refocus on what’s really important. My every day, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, is about figuring out how to give the holiday experience to someone we serve that wouldn’t have a holiday experience otherwise. We’re about to launch our annual Giving Trees Program and my desk is filled with client requests, many for the most basic necessities…socks, sweatpants, winter hats and gloves, and a few like a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card or set of colored pencils. The things that so many of us take for granted are things that would mean the world to our folks.

The support that the Naperville community—individuals, businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, etc.—shows to Little Friends really is a wondrous thing!

By: Faith Behr, Behr CommunicationsBehr Communications is a marketing PR firm that helps businesses find and build new audiences, raise awareness and connect with their customers. We offer a range of communications marketing capabilities: social media, digital marketing, direct mail, graphic design, public relations, website development and government relations. We know that successful marketing is built on three essential elements: sound strategy, thoughtful execution and genuine relationships.www.behrcommunications.com

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

September 2016 Woman of the Month: Kim SpayerKim Spayer is Development Manager for Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, an organization that has become near and dear to Women in Business. WDSRA is Women in Business’ 2016 Charity Partner, and provides engaging, community-based recreation programs for children, teens and adults with special needs.

WIB Blog SeptemberQ: Please tell us about Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve worked for Western DuPage Special Community Association because it offers me the opportunity to meet so many people in Naperville and the other eight communities we serve. I get to tap into my background combining fundraising and marketing and uses my experience with organizations where I have worked with people who had physical disabilities. WDSRA focuses on so much more than just the therapeutic side of a disability – we focus on having fun while learning vital social and life skills. I’ve really enjoyed meeting people in the community who not only know of WDSRA but who warmly respond with stories of their experience with the organization. The best stories I hear are the ones where their experience or their family member’s experience was so successful that they don’t need our services any longer. They have become fully integrated into their schools, sports teams, social groups and communities. That’s the best possible outcome!

Q: How have your jobs been similar and different?There has been a real breadth, depth and diversity in the organizations I have worked for over the past 30 years. They have come in various sizes and missions. Some have been older and more developed – others have been pretty grassroots. Because I have been in the field of fundraising and mission development for so many years I have seen the field absolutely explode in terms of number of organizations and evolve because of the way technology has shaped and grown it.It’s difficult to compare one organization to another because their missions makes them so completely unique and draw different people into their orbits because of that. I think it is like that familiar adage of when asked to choose “Comparing them is like comparing your children - you love the one who needs you most at the moment” – and so it is working with non-profit organizations.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?I love the intersection of pairing people’s passion for something – or people’s needs with the right resources. It’s like solving a unique puzzle and – I do get very excited by those kinds of opportunities!

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?That you lead best by example. Education is necessary but people skills are equally important – you must display trust, authenticity and grace under pressure!

Q: Who do (did) you most want to meet in the world?I think my perception of Ellen De Generis is the culmination of everything I really enjoy and value right now. I think it would be a great experience to meet her because she combines fun and humor with enormous doses of generosity, compassion – and an element of surprise. I absolutely admire how she interviews such diverse groups of people yet never seems to offend anyone – and she always encourages everyone “to be kind to everyone!” What a great life mantra.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned along the way?I believe it’s learning how completely interconnected we all are. I’m not a “true” extrovert but, I really love meeting total strangers and after some conversation finding out that we have something in our background in common - or who we know. I love that unexpected connection. I’ve known for a long time that relationships are so important but this keeps being reinforced with me in new and amazing ways.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in Naperville?I’m a really big fan of the Carillon and I enjoy the musical concerts. Even when I don’t have time to sit down and listen I get to hear it as I drive around town and sometimes I can even hear it in my own yard. Many of the concerts and festivals take place close to where I live. So my husband and I have created our weekend tradition of walking from our house towards the Carillon and Riverwalk. It’s a beautiful five mile walk and we truly enjoy watching nature change during the different seasons.

Q: What is one thing most people don’t know about you? In absolute seriousness… if I won the lottery next week I would create my own charitable foundation and help identify causes and people who have needs. I could help match them with financial and other needs that they have. I would choose to do exactly what I have been privileged to do over the last thirty years because of other people’s empathy and because of their tremendous generosity. I would want to give to others in the same way I have witnessed others giving of their time and financial ability.

Other facts about you…..My husband and I have been married 37 years. We met in at Augustana College. We moved to Naperville 20 years ago by choice – and love it.We have three children who share a love of music which has been great fun to watch develop over the years. Our oldest child just got married last weekend and it was such a joy to witness all of them sharing their musical talents together in a joyous milestone.

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

Have you been watching the Olympics this summer? I have. These athletes have been training for years and are at the top of their game. They are ready to compete on the world’s biggest stage. You spend a lot of time and effort learning, training and working to be the best in your business. You may not earn a medal for it, but you are proud of what you have accomplished. So why not let some of these Olympians teach you a little more.

Here are 5 business takeaways from the Summer Olympics:

1.You are never too old to do great things. American Kristin Armstrong became the oldest female Olympic cycling gold medalist, her third gold medal in cycling, one day shy of her 43rd birthday. It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are to have great ideas and make a difference. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something because of your age. Which leads me to… 2.Not only do you need a goal, but you also need a plan. Do you think these Olympic competitors got to where they are just by saying they want to be an Olympian? No. Whether or not they earned a medal, they had to work hard to get to the Olympics in the first place. They had to study, learn, train, study more, learn more, train more. You need business goals, but you also need to back up that goal with a plan to get you there. Start with ‘SMART’ goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound), but make sure you know HOW your business will achieve this goal. Does it involve new training, technology, or procedures? The ‘how’ is as important as the ‘what.’3.Be ready to work individually or as a team. Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are dominating their sports. They set new records and have firmly planted themselves as American phenomes, both individually and as part of a team. They would not have some of the medals that they do if they had only wanted to go it alone. In your business you will likely need to do things on your own and as part of a team. How you accomplish tasks and reach goals will differ, but you need to know how to do them both equally well to be successful.4.Don’t be afraid to break new ground. Simone Manuel became the first black female swimmer to win an Olympic medal for America by tying for gold in the 100m freestyle. She also won a silver medal for the 50m freestyle and a gold and silver in each of 2 relays. This 20 year old is now in the history books; not for the medals themselves, but because she was the ‘first.’ It is something her children and grandchildren will be proud of years from now. No matter who you are or what you do, don’t be afraid to do something no one else has done before. Be different. That is how you, and your business, will stand out.5.Don’t be afraid to change directions. Although there have been many people already hoping he will compete in Tokyo, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, said he has swam his last race. Could he medal in Tokyo? Maybe. But there are other things he wants to do with his life. He is going out on top and feels that he has accomplished what he set out to do in Rio. Do you feel like you want to take your life and/or business in a different direction? There are a lot of things to consider, but don’t be afraid to change directions if you have another passion. As Phillip Hatfield, motivation speaker, has said, “Our career is what we are paid for. Our calling is what we are made for.” Live your calling!

Although most of us will never be Olympians, we can learn a lot, both personally and professionally, from what they do, or don’t do. There are other lessons to be learned from these Games, so keep watching and learning!

Pam Albrecht is a social media and marketing manager at Albrecht & Associates. She works with small business owners who don’t have the time, desire or knowledge to execute the details of a marketing plan by providing virtual marketing support.

Bev is an entrepreneur and long-time Napervillian, who has made significant contributions to the business community and various area clubs and organizations. She owned the Fabric inn in Naperville and another fabric store in Elgin and four music stores in the Chicago suburbs, including Naperville.

Q: What is your background and what led you to opening your businesses?A: I was just a happy “Suzy Homemaker” when in 1967 my husband suddenly died. I was left with two kids, a mortgage, and no money. That makes you think pretty quickly what are you going to do to support your family.Q: What would you say are the three top skills to successfully lead an organization?A: Honesty, help employees to be successful, and have fun!

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Do a lot of listening and go for it.

Q: Do you really think women have come a long way? How so?A: OMG – have we ever. When I joined the Chamber, there was one executive director and one secretary. There were two business women as members. Now look at us. Before WWII, women, like me, were Suzy Homemakers. But during the war, the women started working as the men were all overseas. They found out they enjoyed doing their own thing and earning money. Many of us can no longer can stay at home and bake and read and sew. For me, I find the business world inspiring. I love it.

Q: What is your involvement now in the Chamber, WIB and community?A: I so enjoy the legislative meetings as that is where the action is and it keeps you up to date on what is going on. But most of all, I enjoy Women in Business events. It is so inspiring to talk with each member and find out what they are doing and how they got started. I am so proud of the women and their achievements. One job I enjoy is as a greeter. Having been in business so many years and knowing so many people, it gives me joy to help others and open doors for them.

Q: Tell us one thing most people don't know about you.A: I used to be shy! But in sales, I had to learn to overcome it. Later my husband threatened to send me to bashful school.

Q: What are you most proud of?A: My two kids. They were in 7th grade and a freshman in high school when their father died. We had to move out of our house, I started working, and it was a traumatic time for all three of us. Life and business were definitely not always easy. But my two kids turned out beautifully and have given me five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I am so blessed.

Q: You are known as a notable Napervillian and the first woman on the Naperville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. How does that make you feel?A: That is not important. I’m just happy to contribute in any way I can. The Chamber has been a big part of my business career and my life.

Q: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do? A: I can’t think of anything I would do over. No regrets. My life has not been an easy one, but I always took one day at a time, and said “Thanks to the Man” upstairs. And we DID have a lot of fun at work. How can you sell music if you are not happy and cheerful?

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

Dawn owns Supporting Strategies, which provides outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses. See what led her to owning her own business with her husband.

Q: What is Supporting Strategies?A: Supporting Strategies was founded in 2004 by Leslie Jorgensen with one goal in mind: give clients the support they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. We provide efficient and effective bookkeeping and operational services to companies ranging in size from start-up to lower middle market businesses that do not require a full-time in-house resource. Seeing the need for these services nationwide, Supporting Strategies started expanding in 2013 through a franchise model.

Q: What led you to the business and finance profession?A: Since my first typing class in junior high I have loved business! I use to dream about having my own company. Then life happened. I started working full time, got married, had children and got caught up the in day-to-day life in corporate America. When the opportunity came for me to leave the corporate world, after 29 years, I was able to explore the possibility of buying a franchise. There were two main reasons that led me to the profession. One, I understand that we provide services that every small business owner needs and two, because of my husband’s accounting background it made it the perfect company for us to run together.

Q: Congratulations, Supporting Strategies-Chicago Far West Suburbs earned 2016 Best of Naperville Award for Bookkeeping Services. What do you believe makes Supporting Strategies the Best? A: Great customer service is a huge part of it. We understand how important it is for each business owner to realize their dreams and we do what we can to help them achieve them. Our staff consists of highly experienced accounting professionals who use automated processes to create a more efficient workflow. Our standardized procedures allow us to deliver affordable, accurate and reliable services.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Don’t be too proud to ask for help. You can’t know or do everything yourself.

Q: What is your involvement in the Chamber and community?A: The first event I attended as a business owner was a Chamber After Hours, joining shortly after. It’s been a great place to meet people and become more involved in the community. We’ve lived in Naperville for over 20 years, raising two children here and doing what we can to support the schools and local businesses.

Q: Tell us about working with your husband?A: Working with my husband, Elliot, is great. We both have different areas of expertise and stay in our own lane while doing them. In other words, I don’t tell him how to do accounting and he doesn’t tell me how to do Business Development. We trust each other to do our jobs. At the same time, it’s nice to be able to discuss issues that come up in our respective areas with one another. He’s a fantastic partner, in life and work.

Q: What is one thing most people don't know about you?A: Most people don’t know that I started working in the corporate world when I was 19. I didn’t go to college until I was working full-time and married. First, I received an Associate degree from the College of DuPage then went on to earn my Bachelor in Business Management from Northwood University.

Other facts about you . . . I was born and raised in Ohio and moved to Naperville three months after graduating from high school. Elliot and I have been married for 27 years. We have two daughters, Rachel 21 and Abby 19 and a rescued black lab named Gabe, 9 ½.

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

I preface this with the fact that I am a Chicago sports fan. With the Cavs and Golden State playing in the NBA finals, I was only mildly interested. But as the series continued, I found myself more intrigued with it.

Now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have their first NBA trophy, I find that there are 3 things we can learn from this:

Don’t Give Up. Seriously! The Cavs were down 3 – 1 in the series. Some sportscasters had written them off. NO ONE has ever come from a 3 – 1 deficit to win the NBA Finals. Just because you’re down doesn’t mean you’re out. Don’t. Give. Up.

Give Back. Everyone grew up somewhere. Many of us look back on those times as a good thing. You may not live in your hometown anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference to the people who are there now. LeBron was a villain in Cleveland for a while; we all remember seeing the clips of people burning their James’ jerseys. But he came back with the promise that he was going to bring a trophy to Northeast Ohio. He did. He’s the hero. We may not be bringing championship trophies to our home town, but we can still make a difference in some way.

Always Reach for More. Don’t just ‘settle’ for what you know you can do; reach for what you aren’t sure you can do. If you achieve that, reach for more. James won it all twice in Miami. Could he have continued to do it there? Maybe. But he came home with the promise to do it in Cleveland. He couldn’t do it by himself; he needed the right teammates around him. They got it done. You need to surround yourself with the right people to help you reach for more. Keep reaching.

I help business owners put a solid succession plan in place in case something happens to them or their business partners. With that piece of mind, they can continue to reach for more and know their legacy will be intact. I provide balanced advice so management can understand the ramifications of different scenarios and can choose the right plan for their business.

Contact me to learn more about my succession planning and business continuity services.

Harry McCabe, Founder and Principle of Harry McCabe Advisors, helps entrepreneurs and owners of privately-owned businesses become successful and ensure that whatever success they created will be prepared for ownership transfer. His proprietary processes aid the current owners in a seamless, painless fashion through their Exit/Succession plan creation. This is the way it should be; the way it deserves to be. Contact Harry for more information about how he can help you prepare your business for the 'what-ifs.'

Q: What is Padgett Business Services?A: Padgett Business Services of DuPage is one of 400 franchises throughout the United States and Canada which has been serving businesses for 50 years. I own and operate the business and work exclusively with small business owners enabling them to focus on growing their business by relieving the burdens of financial reporting and tax compliance and acting as a trusted advisor. Our services include financial reporting, tax preparation, government compliance, complete payroll solutions, and business consulting. We take a customized approach, seeing our clients on a regular basis and taking a vested interest in their businesses. We take the time to understand what they want to achieve and do everything possible to assist them in achieving those goals.

Q: What is your background and what led you to start your own business?A: My background is in corporate America working for a multi-billion dollar corporation in the telecommunications industry for 26 years, the last 12 of which I was responsible for all aspects of running a $20 million product line business in 3G and 4G software. For many years, I had wanted to start my own business but coming from a company which was heavily focused on process, I wanted to find an accounting and tax franchise because it would provide a solid infrastructure to assist me in developing my own business. I found that in Padgett Business Services. I already had my MBA in Finance and a strong background in all aspects of business including accounting, budgeting and financial analysis. After starting my business, I completed the Enrolled Agent certification, the highest credential awarded by the IRS, which allows unlimited practice rights to represent my clients before the IRS in matters related to tax audits, representation, and negotiation on my client’s behalf. Combining my previous background in all aspects of business with the tax knowledge and expertise enables me to support all my clients’ financial and tax compliance needs.

Q: How do you survive the crush during tax time?A: Surviving tax season is not always easy. There is pressure with the deadlines and wanting to complete as many tax returns as possible on time. The most important thing is to have a system, a structure if you will, in place to handle all aspects of the tax return preparation process in an orderly, organized manner and keeping on top of the status of each individual and corporate return to ensure they are moving forward to completion.

Q: What would you say are the three top skills are to successfully lead an organization?A: Owning your own business and being successful requires constant dedication and persistence. You are responsible for all aspects of your business from the smallest detail to the entire big picture. You need to be able to handle both the macro and micro aspects of your business and shift gears to make decisions. You also need to be able to hire good people with the right skills and right customer service ideals that you yourself want to implement in your business. Third you need to have the right knowledge and expertise to run your particular type of business as your clients and your employees need to know you have the ability to support them.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in starting a business?A: Don’t start a business unless you are absolutely dedicated to doing whatever it takes to succeed. Long hours and thinking outside of the box are a given. Also treat your business as a business. No matter how big or small, treat it as a business, separate and distinct from you. Treat your clients as you would like to be treated. Think about what response you would want, what action you would expect, what follow-up you’d like to see, and do that for your customers. I believe doing the right thing and being responsive and ethical in all your business dealings while building strong, long-term relationships with both your clients and your business partners will, in the long run, establish a strong solid business.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: I enjoy solving mysteries. That’s why I like assisting clients with their tax and accounting needs. Each business or individual has their own unique situation and factors to consider. I utilize my knowledge and expertise to assist them in completing their tax return or running their business while also helping them to understand how to reduce their taxes, find more money within their business, and achieve their goals. I also enjoy being a trusted advisor my clients can rely on.

Q: What is your involvement in the Chamber, WIB and community?A: I have been a member of Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and involved with WIB since October, 2013 and am currently a member of the WIB Board supporting the Outreach Committee. I also Chair TEAM Connect, a leads team in the Chamber, which has adopted and is active in the fund-raising and volunteer projects for the A.D.O.P.T Pet Shelter here in Naperville.

Q: Tell us one thing most people don't know about you.A: I am the aunt of two beautiful nieces, Julianne CaiLing and Diana Liqi, who my sister and brother-in-law adopted from China. They live here in Naperville too, and I just recently attended their high school and junior high graduations!

Q: If you were conducting this interview, what one question would you ask?A: Why specifically are you involved in WIB? I would say as a woman business owner and fellow entrepreneur, I enjoy working with other women to help them grow their businesses. Being involved with NACC’s WIB affords me the opportunity to connect and get to know many woman business owners/entrepreneurs and develop those long-term relationships that are part and parcel of what women are all about.

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

By: Faith Behr, Behr CommunicationsBehr Communications is a marketing PR firm that helps businesses find and build new audiences, raise awareness and connect with their customers. We offer a range of communications marketing capabilities: social media, digital marketing, direct mail, graphic design, public relations, website development and government relations. We know that successful marketing is built on three essential elements: sound strategy, thoughtful execution and genuine relationships.www.behrcommunications.comEmail: fbehr@behrcommunications.com

Q: How did you get involved in helping people in career transition?A: When we moved to Naperville in 2005, I knew I wanted to find volunteer or find work with a not-for-profit organization. I had spent several years working with soldiers transitioning out of the military so working at the Community Career Center was a natural fit!

Q: What are the three top skills to successfully lead an organization?A: Trust – Developing a culture of trust is extremely important to a successful organization and helps to promote respect and loyalty by all members of the team.Personal Example – Don’t expect something out of others that you aren’t willing to do yourself. Own up to mistakes… Relationship building – Take time to get to know your team and have a finger on the pulse of what their personal and professional needs are.

Q: What advice do you say often those looking for a job?A: Be prepared to share your “story” in 30 seconds or less. Most people are always in a hurry so “perfecting” your story/elevator speech is important to ensure you don’t dominate the conversation when networking.Be succinct when answering questions in an interview. Share no more than what is being asked.Be prepared to share your faults/weaknesses. We all have them so be prepared when the question is asked. Do your homework on the company you are about to interview with. This will help you to stand out from the others…

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Find a mentor – a trusted person you can go to for advice, guidance and support that will challenge and encourage you throughout your career. Create work/life balance...and give equal respect to both areas of your life. I spend so much time at work and attending work related events that when it is time to “shut down,” I’ve learned to do just that! It is just as important to be a good wife, good mother, good daughter and good friend as it is to be a good worker.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: For 20 years, the Community Career Center has been the go-to resource center for job seekers. I’ve been with the organization for almost 11 years and knowing we have a team of supportive board members, dedicated volunteers and staff who are committed to the mission of the organization keeps me excited and motivated to continue the good work we do to help those in our community looking for “their next success!”

Q: Whom do (did) you most want to meet in the world?A: Maya Angelou

Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned along the way? A: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Other facts about KimberlyMarried (29 years in July) to her high school sweetheart, Benny White. Benny is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and their move to Naperville in 2005 was their 13 move in 22 years! They have two adult children, son, BJ who lives in New York City and daughter, Logan, who attends college in North Carolina.

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.

Stop the drips of multi-tasking, overwhelming obligations, and energy-draining tasks that aren’t contributing toward the productive and satisfying life you want to live. How many good ideas can one mind act on simultaneously? Less than we think we’re capable of.

A powerful shift comes over executive life coaching clients when they make a hard stop in their busy pace, stopping to refocus and get clear about their plan to move forward. Sometimes drips are situational or relational, but often they are the result of our own choice to tolerate rather than move ahead.

Saying “no” to multi-tasking is freeing.Saying “no more” to unfulfilling obligations is motivating.Saying “no” to life imbalance is strengthening.

The decision to hire a life coach is similar to the decision to hire a plumber. Just making the appointment for a service call says, “I have decided to make a change for the better.” What’s dripping in your life?

Diane Overgard is an Executive Life Coach and the founder of 45 Degrees Coaching, inc. In just 90 days participants in this unique coaching process have new habits, more energy, and the motivation to accomplish positive change. 45 Degrees is the optimal angle for reaching maximum distance with the least resistance, so if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or scattered, talk with Diane Overgard about getting launched to a better place in your life.